The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management administrates over 10% of America's landscape, as well as millions of subsurface mineral acres. It works to maintain these lands for commercial, conservational, and recreational uses. The Mill Creek Campground is a BLM site offering high-altitude camping and recreational opportunities 14 miles southwest of Lake City, Colorado. You can enjoy one of the 22 first-come, first-served sites adjacent to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River for $7 per night.
This region receives an average of 277 days of annual sunshine and features several mountain peaks, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby Lake City is a gateway for climbers and hikers, including those looking to travel the Continental Divide Trail. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 79 miles northwest, and Great Sand Dunes National Park is 134 miles east of here.
This challenging out-and-back trail by Lake City is popular with cross-country skiers and hikers. It features a 2,841-foot elevation change.
Length: 7.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This is another out-and-back trail near Lake City. You will also find anglers and birders using this path, which offers an 879-foot elevation gain.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This challenging route used by bikers, hikers, and horseback riders has a 3,648-foot elevation change. March through November is the best time to hike the trail.
Length: 8.8 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Mill Creek Campground has a fishing trail and provides water access to the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks this waterway, providing anglers a chance at brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon in the fall. Two on-site lakes sit within Castle Lakes Campground, a mile east of the Mill Creek area. Lake San Cristobal is the second-largest natural lake in the state at 11,000-acre-feet and contains brook trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.
Nearby Lake City is popular with ice and traditional climbers, with Lake City Ice Park just south of town. There are over 50 routes with mixed grades of WI-3 and up in three park sections. While climbers focus on vertical cliffs, there are a few of Colorado's 14ers nearby for mountaineers to ascend. Just across Lake Fork, you will find Sunshine Peak towering over Mill Creek Campground at 14,007 feet. The 14,041-foot Redcloud Peak sits north of that, and Handies Peak looms to the west at 14,058 feet.
Some popular avian species that birders look for in the area include the American kestrel, black-headed grosbeak, broad-tailed hummingbird, dusky grouse, mountain bluebird, mountain chickadee, osprey, rosy finch, rufous hummingbird, steller jay, and western tanager. The Deer lakes area is a good place to glimpse elk, moose, and mule deer. Black bears frequent the region but are often nocturnal explorers. Other animals in the area include beavers, bighorn sheep, ground squirrels, hares, and marmots.
You will find open spaces to spread a picnic blanket along the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. If you are looking for picnic areas with tables and other amenities, you can visit Lake City's Town Park or the Gunnison Forks Day Use Area in nearby Montrose. Farther south on Colorado Highway 149, you will find two picnic units with tables and fireplaces at the Spring Creek Reservoir Picnic Site.
You can enjoy basic BLM RV camping at Mill Creek Campground. It has 22 sites that can accommodate medium-sized RVs, and a bear-proof food storage box, a cooking grate on a metal fire ring, and a picnic table are available. Other amenities include hand pumps for potable water, vault restrooms, and bear-proof trash dumpsters. Those searching for BLM camping near me in the Lake City area will notice the nearby Gate Campground 16 miles north of town on Colorado Highway 149. It has eight campsites, two vault bathrooms, and a hand pump faucet with potable water for $5 per night.
The Sherman Campground is approximately one mile west of the Mill Creek Campground, providing open space to set up your camp. The nearby Rito Hondo Reservoir Boating Site offers another place for dispersed camping southeast of Mill Creek Campground. There are opportunities for Bureau of Land Management free camping on many secondary roads in the area. Nearby Forest Service Road 735 provides several spots where you can stay overnight.
This Bureau of Land Management camping site is 8,500 feet above sea level, creating high-altitude conditions you should prepare for ahead of time. Be aware of the signs of altitude sickness and plan to drive to lower elevations if needed. You will be closer to the sun with a thinner atmosphere, so bring sunblock rated at SPF 50 and use it even when driving. The higher altitude will also increase cooking times due to less oxygen.
The region gets 277 days of sun annually, but the temperature can be colder than at lower elevations, so dress in layers. Store and dispose of food properly to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite, including using the campground's bear-proof food storage boxes and trash dumpsters. Before you start your journey, take a moment to read about all you need to know for BLM camping.
"Leaving No Trace" is a practice that helps preserve these pristine settings for current and future visitors to enjoy. A big part of BLM's management mission is clean-up and sustainability. You can do your part by following the restrictions and rules enforced by the BLM and other managing agencies. Clean up camping areas and trails, pack out additional trash, dispose of waste properly, and leave natural objects where you find them so others can enjoy them.
You will find that Lake City is the nearest municipality. Take Colorado State Highway 149 south from Lake City for 2 miles and turn right onto County Road 30. Drive approximately 10.5 miles, and you will arrive at the campground. You can call (970) 642-4940 to get up-to-date information about these specific Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
Ready to visit Mill Creek Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
